Gibson Celebrates Skynyrd's 30th Year with Gary Rossington Signature SG
January 16, 2003
As Lynyrd Skynyrd begins its 30th anniversary year, Gibson's Custom division pays tribute to one of the key elements of the Skynyrd sound with a new Gary Rossington Signature SG model. Rossington, lead guitarist for the legendary Southern rock band, unveils the new guitar on Jan. 18 at NAMM, the trade show for musical instrument makers in Anaheim, CA.
Although Rossington is usually identified with a Gibson Les Paul Standard, his double-cutaway SG models have played a prominent role in Skynyrd history. "Lots of songs that I wrote in the early days were written on the SG," Rossington recalled. "I played the SG on 'Free Bird' and I still play it - always - on 'Free Bird.'"
Rossington has owned several 1960s SGs through the years, and the new signature model combines features from that era, including a pair of humbucking pickups and a Maestro vibrato tailpiece. An Aged Faded Cherry finish gives the guitar an authentic '60s look. Gibson's Custom, Art & Historic division will limit production of the model to 250 guitars.
With his new Signature SG, Rossington holds the rare distinction of having two signature models from Gibson Custom. The first, a replica model of his famous Les Paul model, nicknamed "Bernice," was introduced in summer 2002. "It's just a big honor and pleasure," Rossington said of the new SG. "It humbles me a lot. It makes all the dues you pay and all the bull you go through worthwhile."
Lynyrd Skynyrd is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the group's 1973 debut on MCA Records, Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd. Their hard-driving, blues-tinged rock 'n' roll sound was powered by a triple-guitar attack, and their hits "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama" became rock classics. In 1977, at the height of their popularity, three of the band members died in a plane crash. Rossington formed the Rossington Collins band in 1980 with Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins, but Collins was paralyzed in a car crash in 1982 and died in 1986. In the mid-1990s, Rossington re-formed Lynyrd Skynyrd and began touring. The band has just finished a studio album of new material to be released in conjunction with the 30th anniversary celebration.
For more information, visit their web site at www.gibson.com. |
